10 Steps to Stay Positive in Redundancy or End of Contract

Here are 10 easy steps you can take to stay positive in redundancy or at the end of a contract. One of my friends was recently made redundant, and it really brought it home to me about what a difficult and emotional time this can be. It happened to me about ten years ago, and although I knew it would work out just fine, that didn’t stop all of the hurt and anguish that the uncertainty can bring. Whatever the circumstances, it’s generally an anxious time because you know that life as you once knew it is going to change. We spend a considerable part of our waking hours at work, and when change is afoot, it can stir up all kinds of emotions, sometimes pure delight, a change in jobs might be just what you want. Occasionally grief as you mourn the loss of your regular stable routine and the relationships and friendships you’ve made with colleagues. Plus there’s often stress with the added pressure of looking for another job. Before I became a coach I was contracting for seven years on short-term projects, and once a year I would find myself in a period of uncertainty as one project would come to an end and I would have to look for my next opportunity. While this is nowhere near as difficult time as redundancy l’d still find it incredibly challenging and I’d often be prone to a wobble. I would have just settled in at work and made lots of new friends and then it would be time to move on. Often the end of contract would happen unexpectedly when companies reorganise, or a project loses its funding. Over the years, I’ve been refining my approach to this challenging time and here’s what works for me:

1) Update your resume & Linkedin Profile

Update your CV and Linkedin profile as soon as you possibly can. If you can do this while still in the role you can get a head start in looking for your next job. I always find that taking early action feels really good and helps you to get some control over the situation. Your employer will let you take time out for interviews so you might as well get cracking. If you can do this while your are still in a role it will help you to get a head start in looking for your next job. I always find that taking early action feels really good and helps you to get some control over the situation. Your employer will let you take time out for interviews so you might as well get cracking.

2) Register your resume on the relevant job boards

Register your resume on the relevant job boards and set your resume and profile on LinkedIn to searchable so that recruiters and employers can view them. Set up email preferences for jobs so that new relevant jobs are emailed directly to you. This way you can spend less time searching for new roles and have them sent straight to your inbox.

3) Start building relationships and create a job-hunting network

Not all jobs you see will be perfect for you. In the early days, I recommend applying for a good number of roles that look OK and are a reasonable fit for you just to get some conversations going with recruiters and start building those relationships to create a job hunting network. It also helps you to practice your pitch to get you ready for when your new perfect job comes along.

4) Make a small adjustment to your resume and repost every 2-3 weeks

Recruiters can also set up email preferences so that the details of new candidates coming to market are emailed to them. Therefore every two or three weeks make the smallest adjustment on your resume and re-post on the job boards. This makes you a new candidate and means the recruiters will always be reminded of you and think of you when they get new roles in from their clients.

5) Say this mantra every day

Say this mantra daily “ I WILL get another job, maybe not exactly when I want one but I WILL get one”. Your next job might not start as soon as you finish this job. For lots of reasons, the recruitment process can take a while. You can’t control this, and it does help just to accept it.

6) Start a project or something you’ve always wanted to do

Start a project or do something that you’ve always wanted to do. You need another focus other than job hunting to keep you busy. On recent breaks in between jobs I learned to play the guitar, I learned Italian and most recently I went to Thailand on a yoga retreat. This can be great for your confidence as you are taking on a new challenge and nourishing and investing in yourself.

7) Spend time with those you love!

Visit family and friends that you haven’t seen for a while. Meet your partner or your friend for lunch at their workplace. Use your time off work to spend time with those you love.

8) Do something you’ve been meaning to do

Do something you’ve been meaning to do like going to the dentist or clearing a cupboard out at home. Again you’ll feel like you are achieving something.

9) Be kind to yourself and take the day off

If you’re having a bad day, don’t worry. It’s OK to feel those emotions. Let the upset out of your system. It’s good to do that once in a while. Be kind to yourself and take the day off. Then the next day you’re likely to be fighting fit to get back to job hunting and finding your perfect job.

10) Set job hunting times and days and fun times and days

Set job hunting times and days and fun times and days. Don’t let job hunting take over. Try to see some of this time off as a gift and use it to enjoy yourself. Remember you WILL be back to work soon!

Ask friends and family for support

If you are struggling emotionally at this time, then reach out to those close to you and ask for support. Family and friends might not always realise you are having a difficult time so do share with them and let them support you. You can find practical advice about redundancy and what you’re entitled to here. “The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” Socrates

Here are some blog posts to help you get your next job:

• How to Write a Killer Resume
• 60+Words to “Power Up” your Resume from Good to Amazing!
• How to Write Resume to Get You Past the ATS and Get an Interview
• How to Create a Linkedin Profile Recruiters Love in 11 Easy Steps
• How to get the Job You Want and Earn More?
• How to Identify Your Personal Brand and Why You Need One
• How to Promote Your Personal Brand to Boost Your Earning Potential

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